Selling antiques on Catawiki: how to successfully enter the EU market

In the digital age, access to unique antiques and art has become easier than ever. Catawiki is one of Europe’s leading online auction platforms specializing in the sale of antiques, collectibles, and unique items. Thanks to expert verification of each lot and an international audience, the platform offers sellers and buyers extensive opportunities for trading within and outside the EU.

In this article, we will take a detailed look at how Ukrainians can use the Catawiki platform and offer a reliable logistics solution from GlobalPost for the delivery of your unique finds.

How to Register on Catawiki: Step-by-Step Guide

The process of creating an account on Catawiki is intuitive and doesn’t take much time. To become a full participant in the auctions, follow these steps:

• Go to the official Catawiki website and choose your role — buyer or seller.
• Fill out the registration form and confirm your email address.
• If you are a seller — add your bank details, lot description, high-quality photos, and, if necessary, documents confirming the authenticity of the item.
• The lot undergoes expert moderation. Only after approval will it be placed in the auction.
• After the auction ends, the seller organizes the delivery independently or through the Smart Shipping service (available in some countries only).

Simple registration and clear rules make Catawiki convenient for beginners, but sellers should plan logistics in advance.

Common Challenges for Antique Sellers on Catawiki

Before you start selling antiques on Catawiki, it’s worth considering the key points that can affect the speed of sales and the seller’s reputation.

• Shipping costs — on the platform, the seller is responsible for organizing delivery, choosing the carrier, and setting the rate. Without experience, there is a risk of setting a price that will either scare off the buyer or not cover the actual costs.
• Platform fees — Catawiki charges up to 12.5% of the final lot price, so it’s important to include this percentage in the price to avoid losing profit.
• Packing requirements — antiques require special materials and packing techniques; otherwise, damage during transportation may lead to returns and financial losses.
• Customs clearance — shipping outside the EU requires properly completed documents; mistakes can delay delivery or cause additional charges.
• Transport control — without tracking and reliable logistics, it’s difficult to guarantee on-time delivery and the preservation of the lot.

For successful sales on Catawiki, the seller needs to have a clear logistics strategy, which can be conveniently implemented together with an experienced partner like GlobalPost.

How GlobalPost Helps Antique Sellers on Catawiki

On Catawiki, it’s the seller who is responsible for delivering the sold lot, and the rating, repeat sales, and final profit depend on how quickly and safely it reaches the buyer. GlobalPost takes care of all stages of logistics so that you can focus on the main thing — selling.

• Professional packing: We understand that antiques require special handling. Our specialists will provide reliable packing that matches the nature and fragility of your item, ensuring its integrity during transportation.
• Customs clearance: We take care of all procedures related to customs declaration and clearance of goods, freeing you from paperwork and possible problems at the border.
• Reliability and tracking: Your shipment will be insured, and you will be able to track its movement at every stage of delivery until receipt.

We work both with private clients who sell single items from their collections and with businesses — galleries, antique shops, and designers who need a stable and reliable logistics partner for regular international sales. GlobalPost — a professional partner for safe and fast delivery of antiques.

Conclusion

Don’t let logistics challenges hold back the growth of your business. Catawiki opens the doors to a vast audience of wealthy collectors across Europe, and GlobalPost removes the main obstacle on this path — international shipping.

We will ensure that your antiques are delivered quickly, safely, and without unnecessary hassle. Expand your sales geography and scale your business together with GlobalPost.